Halloween Hollow tradition continues

PALMER — The Annual Halloween Hollow event hosted by the Mat-Su Special Santa Program featured a variety of games, activities, highlights from local businesses, and of course, lots and lots of candy.

According to the new Special Santa Chief Elf Organizer Peggy Farnes, this year’s attendance was lower than they hoped for, but they still managed to get a strong number of attendees.

“I think it’s just getting harder to compete with all the other events in the Valley, but it’s still a good turnout,” Farnes said.

Halloween Hollow is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Special Santa Program. Farnes said that every family that paid admission and participated in the event helped their overall cause of providing gifts to children in need across the Mat-Su Valley.

“We appreciate the people that come to support us,” Farnes said.

Halloween in Alaska is never easy or warm, that’s where indoor events like Halloween Hollow come in.

“It’s indoors so you don’t have to wear a coat over your costume. I like the fact that it’s open, it’s friendly, and it’s fun. It just gives everybody a chance to come together so we can have a good, safe Halloween,” Farnes said.

One of the biggest draws of Halloween Hollow us the awareness it brings to the Special Santa Program.

Also bring awareness to special Santa program

Fill the Sleigh event Saturday after Thanksgiving at Wasilla Fred Meyer collecting toys

Get to workshop and start wrapping presents

People can support program by purchasing wish list items for local children

“Now the focus is heavily on Christmas,” Farnes said. “I think it’s very important. We have a lot of families that might be struggling during the holidays. We’re here to take that weight off your shoulders. It’s always important to have community involvement.”

For more information about the Mat-Su Special Santa Program, visit specialsanta.net.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com